Animal abuse: probation: treatment.

Existing law makes it a crime to maliciously and intentionally maim, mutilate, torture, wound, or kill a living animal. If a defendant is granted probation for a conviction of this offense, existing law requires the court to order the defendant to complete counseling designed to evaluate and treat behavior or conduct disorders. This bill would delete the requirement that a defendant granted probation complete counseling and would instead require a defendant convicted of specified offenses against animals and granted probation to undergo a mental health evaluation by an evaluator chosen by the court. The court would require the defendant to complete mandatory counseling if, upon evaluation of the defendant, the mental health professional deems it necessary. The court would require the defendant to pay for the mental health evaluation and any subsequent treatment, but would authorize the court to establish a sliding fee schedule based on the defendant's ability to pay. The bill would additionally make records related to this evaluation and treatment confidential, as specified. Existing constitutional provisions require that a statute that limits the right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies be adopted with findings demonstrating the interest protected by the limitation and the need for protecting that interest. This bill would make legislative findings to that effect.